OHIO RALLY AT THE RAILS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2001
County Road I - Williams County, Ohio 1-5pm

Contact: Debbie Klostermeier
HANDS ACROSS THE RAILS
1-419-533-6509
debbie_klostermeier@yahoo.com

Contact: Vicky L. Moore, Trustee
THE ANGELS ON TRACK FOUNDATION
info@angelsontrack.org
1-330-854-6311

On September 8, 2001, members of railroad safety groups, families/friends of victims of preventable railroad tragedies and concerned citizens, will host simultaneous "Rally at the Rails" in states across the country.

Since 1980, over 17,000 have been killed and 44,000 injured. Only 20% of public grade crossings in the United States are equipped with gates and lights, and every 90 minutes there is an accident/incident involving a train and motor vehicle. Last year 12,500 railroad related injuries were recorded with over 900 deaths. In an effort to draw attention to the deplorable condition of our nation's railways, the lack of accountability by the railroad industry for public safety, and the need for federal laws to change, organizers hope to draw public awareness to these issues, in addition to supplying support and vital information to others who have suffered a loss due to a railroad tragedy.

According to state statistics, Ohio is on a pace for its highest-fatal-accident total since 1987. Even with annual funds of $15 million for crossing safety upgrades, approximately half of Ohio's 6,181 public railroad crossings are marked with only an informational sign - crossbuck.

Anyone interested in attending Ohio's National Rally at the Rails Day or lending your support, is encouraged to contact rally organizers or visit the website at: ralleyattherails.org